Inspirational Quotes from Basketball Coach John Wooden

John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach at UCLA, won 10 National Championships. The legacy that John Wooden left was more important than wins and losses. He taught boys to become men on and off the court. Wooden is remembered not simply as a coach who got his teams to win but also one who taught his players lessons that would last a lifetime.

John Wooden is famous for insightful and inspiring quotes. I will share a couple of quotes to get you thinking on this sunny day in the Northeast.

“We need to apply ourselves each day to becoming a little better. By applying ourselves to the task of becoming

a little better each day we will become a lot better over time.”

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”

“Don’t give up on your dreams or your dreams will give up on you.”

“Be prepared and be honest.”

I met John Wooden for a minute in 1996 at Los Angeles International Airport. We were both waiting on a flight to San Francisco that was delayed for four hours. I walked over and introduced myself to Coach Wooden, a legend, who was humble, interested, friendly and generous with his time.